Yakima Tennis Club building burns in early morning fire

Share this story

YAKIMA, Wash. - A quiet Sunday morning heated up as flames took down the Yakima Tennis Club. Members of the club, like Danielle Polage, can't believe it's gone.

"It's kind of just shocking, it's so disappointing to see, it's devastating," she said.

Danielle says she's been a member of the club for years. It's a place she and her family enjoy together several times a week. Looking at it now, she says she wouldn't even be able to recognize it. She got word of the fire at church Sunday morning and had to see it to believe it

"Members there showed me pictures, and I just had to come and see for myself," said Danielle. "I could barely believe what I saw in the pictures."

Fire officials say the fire started around 6 a.m. on Sunday. They're still investigating how it started, although it doesn't appear to be suspicious.

There was a wedding at the club Saturday night, the tent still up. Officials say the wedding ended by 10 p.m.

No one was at the club at the time of the fire.

"I mean I'm just happy nobody was hurt and I just can't believe the whole thing is gone, shocking how much it is," said Danielle.

Crews contained the fire to the clubhouse. The tennis court and pool weren't severely damaged, but the clubhouse was ruled a complete loss. Officials said a bulldozer was coming to knock it down on Sunday afternoon. Even hours after the fire started, firefighters said parts were still burning from the bottom.

"The kids all taking tennis lessons here, it's going to be a tough summer for the club," said Danielle.

As neighbors and members like Danielle's family wait to rebuild from the ashes.